200+ Free California CNA Practice Questions

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Question 1

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A resident's oral temperature is 98.6°F. What does this reading indicate?

Subnormal temperature requiring warming measures

Normal adult body temperature

Low-grade fever requiring documentation

Elevated temperature requiring physician notification

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: California CNA Exam

$140

Exam Fee (3/1/2026)

D&S Headmaster / CDPH ($40 knowledge + $100 skills)

75 questions

Knowledge Exam Length

D&S Headmaster Candidate Handbook

75%

Written Passing Score

57/75 correct required

150 hrs

Min. Training Required

CDPH / Title 22 (vs. federal 75 hrs)

2 years

Renewal Cycle

CDPH Nurse Aide Registry

48 hrs

CE Hours for Renewal

CDPH requirement

California is the only state that requires 150 CNA training hours (vs. the federal 75-hour minimum). The exam is administered by D&S Diversified/Headmaster (NOT Prometric), costs $140 total ($40 knowledge + $100 skills, effective 3/1/2026), and requires a 75% passing score on the knowledge exam. California CNA salaries average $40,000–$55,000/year, and the state's minimum wage for healthcare workers increases to $23/hr in June 2026 under SB 525. Renew every 2 years with 48 CE hours.

Sample California CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your California CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A resident's oral temperature is 98.6°F. What does this reading indicate?

A.Subnormal temperature requiring warming measures

B.Normal adult body temperature

C.Low-grade fever requiring documentation

D.Elevated temperature requiring physician notification

Explanation: 98.6°F (37°C) is the standard normal adult oral temperature. CNAs must recognize normal ranges so they can identify and report deviations promptly. A normal temperature does not require any intervention beyond routine documentation.

2When measuring a resident's blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:

A.Directly over clothing to avoid disturbing the resident

B.On the same arm that has an IV line running

C.On the bare upper arm, 1 inch above the antecubital space

D.Around the forearm, 2 inches below the elbow

Explanation: The blood pressure cuff must be placed on the bare upper arm approximately 1 inch above the antecubital fossa (inner elbow). Placing it over clothing or in the wrong location produces inaccurate readings. An arm with an IV line should be avoided because the pressure can interfere with the infusion and affect accuracy.

3A CNA is moving a resident from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt. The gait belt should be placed:

A.Around the chest just below the armpits

B.Around the hips at the widest point

C.Around the waist over clothing, with two fingers fitting snugly under the belt

D.Around the thighs to support the resident's lower body

Explanation: A gait belt is applied snugly around the resident's waist (over clothing for comfort) so that two fingers can slide underneath — this ensures it is secure without being too tight. Placing it at the chest or hips reduces control and increases fall risk during transfers.

4When performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises for a resident, the CNA should:

A.Move each joint as far as it will go to maximize flexibility

B.Support the joint above and below and move it smoothly through its normal range

C.Ask the resident to actively resist the movement for strengthening

D.Skip joints that are painful and document that PROM was completed

Explanation: During passive range-of-motion, the CNA supports the extremity above and below the joint being exercised and moves it smoothly through its natural range without forcing it past resistance. PROM prevents contractures and maintains joint mobility; forcing a joint beyond its range causes injury.

5A resident receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min is eating lunch. What should the CNA do?

A.Remove the oxygen during meals because it is a choking hazard

B.Leave the oxygen in place; it can remain on during meals

C.Switch to a face mask during meals for better oxygen delivery

D.Increase the flow rate to 4 L/min to compensate for eating

Explanation: Oxygen via nasal cannula can safely remain in place during meals. Removing supplemental oxygen when it is prescribed can cause dangerous drops in oxygen saturation. The CNA should never adjust oxygen flow rates or remove oxygen equipment without a nurse's order.

6The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires CNA training programs to include a minimum of:

A.75 hours total (50 classroom, 25 clinical)

B.100 hours total (40 classroom, 60 clinical)

C.150 hours total (50 classroom, 100 clinical, with 30 hours in a skills lab)

D.200 hours total (80 classroom, 120 clinical)

Explanation: California requires 150 total training hours for CNA certification — significantly more than the federal minimum of 75 hours. This includes 50 hours of classroom instruction, 100 hours of supervised clinical practice, and 30 hours of skills lab training, as mandated by the CDPH under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

7During a bed bath, a CNA notices that an 82-year-old resident has a new area of redness over the coccyx that does not blanch when pressed. The FIRST action the CNA should take is:

A.Apply a hydrocolloid dressing from the supply cart

B.Massage the reddened area vigorously to restore circulation

C.Report the finding to the nurse immediately and document the observation

D.Reposition the resident every 4 hours and monitor the area

Explanation: Non-blanching redness over a bony prominence is a Stage 1 pressure injury — a clinical finding that must be reported to the nurse immediately for assessment and care planning. Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences can damage fragile capillaries. CNAs should not independently apply wound dressings or extend repositioning intervals without a nurse's direction.

8When positioning a resident in the Fowler's position, the head of the bed should be elevated to:

A.15–30 degrees (semi-Fowler)

B.45–60 degrees (standard Fowler's)

C.90 degrees (high Fowler's)

D.10–15 degrees (Trendelenburg)

Explanation: Standard Fowler's position places the head of the bed at 45 to 60 degrees. This position aids breathing, eating, and comfort for many residents. Semi-Fowler's is 15–30 degrees, high Fowler's is 90 degrees, and Trendelenburg (head lower than feet) is used for specific medical conditions such as shock.

9A CNA is assisting a resident who had a right-sided stroke (right hemiplegia). When helping the resident ambulate with a cane, on which side should the CNA walk?

A.On the resident's left (stronger) side

B.On the resident's right (weaker) side

C.Two steps ahead to guide the resident

D.Behind the resident holding the gait belt

Explanation: The CNA always stands on the resident's weaker (affected) side during ambulation to provide support and prevent falls. With right hemiplegia, the right side is weak, so the CNA stands on the right. The cane is held in the resident's left (stronger) hand to provide balance support on the weak side.

10A resident's care plan indicates a thickened liquid diet. The CNA brings the resident a glass of water. What should the CNA do?

A.Offer the water because the resident can choose what they drink

B.Return the water; give only thickened liquids as ordered in the care plan

C.Add a thickening agent to the water before serving it

D.Ask the nurse if a small amount of regular water is acceptable

Explanation: A thickened liquid diet is ordered to reduce aspiration risk in residents with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). The CNA must follow the care plan precisely — regular water must be returned and replaced with the appropriate thickened liquid. Offering unapproved liquids can cause aspiration pneumonia, which is a life-threatening complication.

About the California CNA Exam

The California CNA exam certifies nursing assistants to provide patient care in California. Administered by D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster under California Department of Public Health (CDPH) authorization, it includes a 75-question knowledge exam and a skills demonstration test. California requires 150 training hours — double the federal minimum.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes written + 30 min skills test

Passing Score

75% written (57/75) + Skills Test

Exam Fee

$140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills, effective 3/1/2026) (D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster (CDPH-authorized))

California CNA Exam Content Outline

20%

Basic Nursing Skills

Vital signs, positioning, transfers, nutrition, mobility, catheter care, data collection

11%

Safety & Emergency

Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), elopement prevention, body mechanics, emergency response

11%

Resident Rights

California Title 22 resident rights, privacy, advance directives, POLST, financial rights

Role & Responsibility

Scope of practice under CDPH, delegation, CDPH registry, mandated reporting (EADACPA)

Infection Control

Hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions, isolation, Cal/OSHA requirements

Mental Health

Dementia care, sundowning, depression, therapeutic communication, validation therapy

Care of Cognitively Impaired

Alzheimer's care, redirection, safety in memory care units, behavioral interventions

Communication

SBAR, therapeutic communication, language access (Dymally-Alatorre Act), documentation

Personal Care

ADL assistance, bathing, oral care, nail care (diabetic restrictions), dressing

Data Collection & Reporting

Objective/subjective data, I&O measurement, incident reporting per CA Health & Safety Code

Disease Process

Common conditions: CHF, COPD, diabetes, stroke, pressure injuries, DVT recognition

Aging Process & Restorative Care

Normal aging changes, contracture prevention, restorative nursing, ambulation assistance

How to Pass the California CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% written (57/75) + Skills Test
Exam length: 75 questions
Time limit: 60 minutes written + 30 min skills test
Exam fee: $140 ($40 knowledge + $100 skills, effective 3/1/2026)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

California CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

2California requires 75% to pass the knowledge exam — higher than most states' 70% threshold

3Master the EADACPA: California CNAs are mandated reporters for elder/dependent adult abuse — know what to report and to whom

4Study Title 22 regulations: resident rights in California are broader than federal minimums — oral/written mail, visitors, financial privacy

5Know the California POLST form: it's a physician order that CNAs must honor — different from a simple advance directive

6California's 150-hour training requirement (50 classroom + 100 clinical + 30 skills lab) is double the federal minimum

7Know the Ombudsman's role: advocates for resident rights in California SNFs and RCFEs — residents can contact them privately

8SB 525 healthcare minimum wage: $21/hr (2024), $23/hr (June 2026), $25/hr (2028) — California-specific content

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the California CNA exam?

California CNA exams are administered by D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster (NOT Prometric), which is authorized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). As of March 1, 2026, fees are: Knowledge Exam $40, Audio Version $45, Skills Test $100. Register through the TestMaster Universe (TMU©) system at hdmaster.com.

How many questions are on the California CNA exam?

The California CNA Knowledge Exam has 75 multiple-choice questions and a 60-minute time limit. You must score 75% or higher (57/75 correct) to pass — higher than most states' 70% minimum. The Skills Test requires demonstrating 5 randomly selected skills within 30 minutes.

How many training hours are required for California CNA certification?

California requires 150 hours of approved CNA training — more than double the federal 75-hour minimum. The 150 hours include 50 classroom hours, 100 supervised clinical hours, and 30 skills lab hours, as mandated by CDPH under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Training programs are approved by CDPH.

How do I renew my California CNA certification?

California CNA certifications are renewed every 2 years. To renew, you must complete 48 hours of continuing education (CE) and provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related employment during the 24-month renewal period. If you haven't worked the required 8 hours, you must retake the competency exam. Renewal is processed through the CDPH Nurse Aide Registry.

What are the California-specific rules CNAs must know?

Key California-specific rules include: 1) CDPH (not Prometric) oversees certification; 2) 150 training hours required; 3) 75% passing score on knowledge exam; 4) CNAs are mandated reporters under the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (EADACPA) — failure to report is a misdemeanor; 5) Title 22 governs SNF resident rights; 6) POLST forms are valid physician orders CNAs must honor; 7) California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for resident rights.

What is the California CNA salary?

California CNA salaries average $40,000–$55,000/year, among the highest in the US. California's SB 525 (Durazo Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Act) set a healthcare-specific minimum wage: $21/hr (June 2024), $23/hr (June 2026), and $25/hr (June 2028) for CNAs in large healthcare facilities. California has the largest CNA workforce in the nation with over 100,000 active CNAs.